User's Manual
Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model CI-6526
Type K Temperature Sensor
012-05563D
low zero degrees Celsius. The Type-K Thermocouple
can be used in water and mild chemical solutions; but
it is well suited for dry measurements.
The sensor consists of the Type-K probe (Model
PS-2155) and the sensor electronics box. The sensor
box has a socket made from chromel and alumel that
is mounted very close to the AD595 integrated circuit
(IC). The IC provides the cold junction compensation
as long as the IC temperature is equal to the junction
temperature made by the socket and copper connec-
tions. The overall output voltage-to-temperature ratio
is 10 milliVolts per degree Celsius. The output voltage
range is -2.000 (at
-200°C) to +10.000 Volts (at +1,000°C).
Additional Equipment Needed
• Computer Interface such as a PASCO CI inter-
face or a PASPORT USB interface with an Ana-
log Adapter (PS-2158).
Optional Equipment
• The sensor box accepts any Type-K thermo-
couple, such as the CI-6536 High Temperature
Type-K Thermocouple Probe. The High Tem-
perature Type-K Thermocouple Probe is housed
in a 30.5 cm (12”) inconel metal cover (maxi-
mum temperature = +1148°C). Therefore, it can
be used in an open flame or for other high tem-
perature measurements.
Introduction
The PASCO Model CI-6526 Type-K Thermo-
couple Temperature Sensor is designed
to be used with a PASCO CI com-
puter interface or a PASPORT USB
interface with an Analog Adapter
(PS-2158). A thermocouple works
because junctions between dissimi-
lar metals or alloys in an electrical circuit
give rise to an electromotive force or voltage if they
are at different temperatures. This type of thermo-
couple is made from a chromel and alumel wire junc-
tion.
Range
The tip of the 003-05590 Type-K Thermocouple
Probe can withstand temperatures between -180°C
and +1260°C. However, the insulation material that
covers all but the tip of the sensor has a maximum
temperature of +482°C. You can use the sensor to
measure high temperatures such as those in a candle
flame if you keep the insulated portion of the sensor
out of the flame.
The thermocouple characteristics are fairly linear from
zero degrees Celsius up to the maximum temperature
with an error less than 3°C ± 3% of the reading over
the full range. Note that the error becomes larger be-
Temperature Range of
003-05590 Type-K Thermocouple Probe
insulation (maximum
temperature: +482°C)
tip (maximum
temperature: +1260°C)